Perinatal Asphyxia, Fetal Hypoxia and Fetal Distress

In the context of labor and delivery, asphyxia and hypoxia are general terms used to describe a complete lack of, or inadequate intake of, oxygen by a baby before, during, or immediately after birth. Common signs of asphyxia and hypoxia before delivery include:

erratic fetal heart rate (usually measured on a fetal heart monitor);

decreased fetal heart rate (“decels”); and

lack of fetal movement.

There are many reasons why a baby may not receive enough oxygen before, during, or immediately after the birth process. For example: (1) the mother may have a medical condition that lowers her oxygen levels, (2) there may be a problem with the manner in which the placenta transfers oxygen to the fetus, or (3) medical malpractice could result in a delivery complication or birth trauma that slows the delivery of oxygen to a baby.

Common factors that can result in low fetal oxygen levels before and during labor and delivery include:

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